Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Vontaze Burfict is one of the better inside linebacker prospects to come out in a few years. He has the size, strength, range and athleticism to be an every-down linebacker at the next level.

This Arizona State product really excels at tackling and working his way through traffic to find the ball-carrier. At 6'3" and 250, he can take on blockers, disengage, and work up the middle. He has enough speed and lateral quickness to be effective in underneath zone coverage. However, he will need to improve in man-to-man coverage, whether it is tracking a tight end over the middle or spilling into the flats to get after running backs.

NFL coaches will need to work on his technique since he too often falls back on his instincts and athleticism. Whether it be pass coverage, footwork in zones or if he is tackling, he'll need to be mindful he is playing under control. In the past he struggled with keeping a level-head on the field-- showing issues with keeping emotions in check.

Burfict will be a useful NFL pro and will nicely fit in a defense that needs their inside linebackers to show multiple looks. He can do it all, but will need coaching up to remain disciplined to his assignments.

Terrible instincts and discipline will cause this guy to unfortunately drop - Not that he doesn't have ability but he misses too many assignments and tackles , Teo and Keuchly will be the more sought after prospects for those not enamored with triangle numbers .

Posted by:
threecubed 11/10/11 12:36 PM

Prediction: 2nd Round

Has has natural ability you watch this guy play and you think wow this guy is special and then he will make a bonehead play get 15 yard penalty and then he is a mess.Take the discipline out and he is a top 20 maybe top 15 pick add the discipline and he drops to a mid second round.

Posted by:
BigHogs2621 12/27/11 04:44 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

Assuming Browns go offense with first (4 overall?) draft pick, Burfict would be perfect with the pick from Atlanta (low 20s)! Move D'Quell Jackson to the outside and improve two positions with one pick. Your ILB needs to be someone who gets tackles at point of attack near line of scrimmage, not trailing play from behind down field.

Posted by:
discgolfur 01/01/12 09:36 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

Green Bay. He is a high motor perfect fit in Green Bay. in a 3-4 Linebacker have to be fast and big. They can be bold and take him at the end of the first because the Packers are, well, the packers.

Just saying im from chicago so not just want him to come to my place

Posted by:
Swimmerpolo713 01/12/12 08:11 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

From a Jets fan, I think he lands in Philly.

Posted by:
Daniel K 01/14/12 01:51 AM

Prediction: 1st Round

I think hes a good fit in Baltimore. The Ravens have a great coaching staff, not to mention one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, and need a linebacker who can show multiple looks.

Posted by:
theking52 01/17/12 04:42 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

My Baltimore Ravens.

Posted by:
joshieboi1111 02/10/12 11:14 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

Burfict, will be a good fit in Philly in the middle at 6'3 250 with speed and can stop the run and play sideline to sideline. Keuchly, is too small at 237 to whole down the middle in the NFL. He's a OLB. They said the samething about Randy Moss, Burfict will be fine!

Posted by:
IRONMAN BLITZ 02/21/12 09:05 PM

Prediction: 4th Round

Threw his coaching staff under the bus during interviews. Major red flags. My guess is he will never get it and flame out pretty quickly.